By Parker McKenzie
Yarra Ranges Council has announced work to repair a failed art installation on Blacksmith Way in Belgrave has been completed.
In December, a project began to improve the surface in Blacksmiths Way by adding coloured highlights and artwork of platypuses. Council said a “bad batch of coating combined with weather complications” resulted in the graphic feature drying with an uneven and cloudy finish.
“Late last year, we resurfaced the laneway and added a graphic feature to the road surface,” Yarra Ranges Council said.
“Unfortunately due to an issue with the coating used for the works, the graphic feature on the road hasn’t rendered with the finish and vibrancy we intended.”
Deputy Mayor Johanna Skelton said that works had recently taken place to fix the coloured surface, after an error from the contractor.
“The contractor came back to fix up the surface’s colouring at no cost to our community,” she said.
“We appreciate the understanding and patience of the community as works started up again, and I think the new road surface looks so much better than it did previously.”
The water graphic spans roughly 300 metres of Blacksmiths Way, which is located between Belgrave Train Station and Burwood Highway.
Ms Skelton said the project, along with other public artwork in the area, highlights the importance of protecting the environment.
“All of our public drains eventually run out to waterways, providing drainage for our towns and helping to prevent flooding,” she said.
“Over many years, Council and other organisations have been working to highlight the importance of reducing waste, putting your rubbish and recyclables in the bin,
“If you litter, that litter will end up in our waterways, risking the wellbeing of plants and animals in the Dandenongs and further downstream.”
The works were undertaken after members of the public raised concern over the final result of the installation and the environmental impact of the chemicals and materials used.
Yarra Ranges Council said in February 2022 the works consisted of pressure washing, grinding back certain areas, removing debris, premixing and rolling out new surface materials.
